Open Door Centre
Introduction to The Open Door Centre
The open Door Centre works with a variety if individuals over a number of projects including a nightsift project, an internet cafe and child contact centre. The cafe project is open access and their customers can use the facilities to access information and advice services. Clients include street homeless, people with mental health or addiction issues, or individuals needing a social context in which to make contact with others.
Mission - To make a positive difference in our community. We aim to offer resources and support to individuals, promote hope for change, and help to improve life opportunities. Our services are free, independent and confidential
Staff - 4 (2 full-time and 2 part-time) plus a large number of volunteers
Based - Exmouth (Devon)
Website - www.opendoorexmouth.org.uk
Key Projects and Outcomes (determined through initial meeting)
1. Internet Cafe - For the organisation to have an internet café style setup where users can have access to the internet to increase their personal development and learning.
To have effective procedures in place to minimize confusion and miss-use, for example ‘Internet Use Policy’.
To have an understanding of the requirements needed to manage ICT equipment and ensure it is running effectively.
2. Backups - For the organisation to have a system in place where important information is backed up regularly.
3. Training - For the organisation to be able to promote and deliver ‘life skills’ style training through the centre
4. General - For the organisation to have access to general information on key ICT issues so the organisation can look to improve it’s efficiency and sustainability.
Evolve Actions and Developments
1. Internet Cafe - Guidance and templates were provided to assist in the development of ICT policies and procedures, which are a vital component of managing shared computer use. Details of software to assist the centre in applying security settings to public access computers was also passed on, which have proved successful in blocking access to certain areas, providing time specific sessions as well as reverting the computer back to its original state after shut down.
2. Backups - Advice was given on the development of backup procedures. The organisation was also shown how using scheduled tasks they can simply develop and manage backups to their server.
3. Training - The organisation was put in touch with the COSMIC training team who met to discuss the possibility of running funded Neighbourhood Learning in Deprived Communities (NLDC) training that would meet their aim of delivering ‘life skills’ through the centre. Training at the centre is proving very successful with clients receiving basic computer skills which work towards an OCN level 1 qualification.
4. General - Provided information on a host of IT issues and signposted the organisation to essential resources such as the knowledgebase to aid their own development and knowledge.
The flexibility of the COSMIC approach allows us to tailor sessions to ability and progress whilst also having clear end goals. Your experience in hardware, setup, identifying appropriate software, and in understanding client needs has given us the confidence to commit to restarting with your support after previous unsuccessful attempts to engage clients in IT.
David Ley - Manager, Open Door Centre